Mattrick is probably looking for an out. He's exhausted, and realizes what staying in this industry is going to mean for his life. He's probably taking severance from Microsoft, gonna CAPITALISM! and wring out as much money as he can from the husk of Zynga, and then retire loaded. Doubt it's anything more complicated than that.

Logged

"IT IS SUBTRACTION. I WILL COME TO YOUR SCHOOL AND BEAT YOUR STUDENTS." - John

The last bit of that memo highlights the problem with Microsoft's message...

Around every corner I see them touting their new slogans along the lines of all their devices being capable of doing everything. So then, Microsoft, answer me this: If all your devices can do everything, why on Earth would I buy more than one of your devices?

But that design philosophy is inherent to almost all devices today: your phone, computer, video game console, hell, even the 3DS and PSVita are capable of more than just playing games. You can't blame MS for going with the trend, especially when that trend was actually started by Sony (remember the It Only Does Everything campaign?).

Very true, I had forgotten that campaign. But still, most companies with a bunch of devices that all do pretty much the same thing usually sell them with at least a few features that set each product apart from one another rather than bragging about how all their products are the same.

Look at Apple. Anyone can tell that an iPod Touch is just a weaker and cheaper iPad, but Apple's marketing team uses that fact to advertise both of them. Same with their phone line, regardless of how many tech blogs and experts tell consumers that the latest iPhone iteration isn't a significant upgrade from the previous one, Apple fans still line up in droves for every single version.

Look at Apple. Anyone can tell that an iPod Touch is just a weaker and cheaper iPad, but Apple's marketing team uses that fact to advertise both of them. Same with their phone line, regardless of how many tech blogs and experts tell consumers that the latest iPhone iteration isn't a significant upgrade from the previous one, Apple fans still line up in droves for every single version.

To be fair, that last bit in the letter seems to be in reference to their video game consoles, not at any other device. I mean, what type of hardware does Microsoft actually sell anymore? The Zune burned out quickly, Windows Phone doesn't even have 1% of the marketshare, and computers are all third-party. The only thing they CAN market as an 'all-in-one device" is the Xbox nowadays.

I was referring mostly to the commercials I've seen for Windows 8, Surface, and any Windows phone. I realize Windows 8 isn't actually a device, but again their message for it seems to be that it allows you to do whatever you want on any device that uses it.

There were talks of a planned restructure. Wouldn't surprise me if he put his affairs into order and prepared for the move, making his last big act at Microsoft the XB1 unveiling. Which would NORMALLY be a great thing to end your career with a company on, but not this time.